If you’re one of the many Americans living in an area with hard water, you’ve probably been faced with the decision of whether or not to purchase a water softener for your home. It doesn’t take long living with hard water to notice its effects and want to do something about it. Let’s take a look at some of the differences between hard and soft water.
Effects of hard water
Since hard water has a high mineral content, it performs differently than water that does not. Here are just a few of the noticeable effects of hard water:
- Water spots on dishes, glasses, and silverware
- Reduced efficiency and longevity of water-using appliances
- Dull laundry, even after washing
- Dry, itchy skin and dull, brittle hair
- Lower effectiveness of soaps and detergents, requiring more to be used
Benefits of soft water
Soft water has the opposite effect of hard water in almost every area:
- No residue left on dishes, leaving them spot free
- Improved efficiency and life span of water-using appliances (think money savings!)
- Laundry – whiter whites, and brighter colors
- Soft and smooth skin, shiny hair
- Less soap or detergent is needed to get the job done
Challenges of traditional salt-based water softeners
With all of the benefits mentioned above, it’s easy to see why so many homeowners choose to have a water softener. A rising challenge, however, is the fact that many communities have passed laws banning or restricting the use of traditional salt-based water softeners. This stems from their discharge of salt into the environment, leading to salt contamination. If you already have a softener installed in your home, you’re left with the dilemma of what to do with it – keep it and risk fines or other punishments for not complying with local regulations, or get rid of it and suffer from hard water.
Upgrade your water softener
Fortunately, there is a solution that will allow you to keep your current water softener AND facilitate compliance with local restrictions. The Salt Miner is an add-on/ retro-fit for your existing softener that collects the used salt in the form of a semi-solid sludge BEFORE it gets discharged outside the home. The sludge can then be disposed of in the trash or recycled.
So, the choice is clear. Why replace your water softener when all you have to do is upgrade it? You can still enjoy all the benefits of soft water while being a law-abiding citizen. Now that’s a win-win situation!
